Mario Kart 64

"A fun game, but the AI is lacking"

Mario Kart 64 was a fun game on the N64. The thrill of the multiplayer battle mode and versus mode is awesome. The scenery of the courses is breathtaking. The soundtrack is catchy. The animation is done perfectly. The items are varied fun to use. Mario Kart 64 is a great game and it is now available on the Wii's Virtual Console. Get to it and download it now.

Graphics:
2-D sprites in a 3-D field is not going to win any awards but the graphics are still great. The elements are large enough to be seen so dodging shells and peels will not be a problem. The backgrounds are nicely detailed. The animation is silky-smooth. The effects are cartoon-ish, appropriate for a Mario game. The only flaw in the graphics applies to the multiplayer mode on small tv screens. The elements, such as items, can be hard to see on small screens in four-played modes. In the end, however, the graphics are great. The Rainbow Road just looks beautiful.

Control:
Imagine playing with a radio-controlled car using the Wii's Classic Controller. That is what the control feels like. The overall controls are intuitive and responsive. Performing power-slides takes very little time. You can hold your weapons. You can also fire your weapons backwards.

I would recommend using the Wii's classic controller, but the Gamecube's controller will work just fine.

Game Design:
Mario Kart 64 contains grand prix races. time trials, versus races, and battles. The grand prix races consist of four races. You will have to finish in the top four to proceed to the next course. In time trails, you race to beat your course record. Unfortunately, you can not save you ghost anymore. In versus, you race against either 1,2, or 3 human opponents. In battle mode, you battle against either one or multiple opponents.

The multiplayer is the heart and soul of this game. The ability to race and battle against multiple racers is a great idea and Nintendo executed it perfectly. The simple controls help increase the fun factor in the multiplayer modes. Even non-gamers can get into the fun with the easy controls. The multiplayer mode makes Mario Kart 64 a great party game.

What is a Mario Kart game without items? Not only do the items from the predecessor return, but you also get new items. The fake item box deceives unsuspecting racers into an explosive (literally) situation. The "trail of peels", a string of banana peels, discourages hot pursuers. The shells, both green and red, also come in three-packs. They surround your kart, shielding you from attacks while hitting others upon contact. The most dangerous new item is the spiny shell. This will track down the lead kart, making him crash.

The courses in Mario Kart 64 are varied. Some courses are flat, while others are filled with peaks and valleys. There is a course in which you must race in traffic. The creativity is pure Nintendo. A good job.

The big flaw is the Artificial Intelligence. This game is too easy. I can't speak for every gamer, but I should not be able to get perfect scores on the 150 cc level...on my first attempt. Adding to the ease is the lenient grand prix races. If you rank out, you can retry that course many times you need. The score system is set up so that if you get first on the first three courses, you clinch the gold cup. The unlockables, which are limited, do not add much to replay value. Even the special cup is available the first time you turn the game on.

The overall game design is great, but more attention should have been given to the AI and the grand prix should not be as forgiving. Multiplayer makes up for that however.

Audio:
The music is great and fitting for a Mario game. The soundtrack is catchy at times. The sound effects are accurate and at times realistic. The voicing is great, especially Luigi's.

Overall:
Mario Kart 64 is a great game. The courses are creative. The multiplayer is a blast. The new items are great. Overall the game is excellent. I just wish the AI and grand prix were a little more challenging.

Should I download:
Yes, especially if you got other gamers in the house. They will have a damn good time.

Score: 8 out of 10.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/02/07